Entry 26
Tuesday, December 14
Harry felt "sh**ty" yesterday. When Graham, our friend and family doctor called in the evening, we told him about the elevated blood pressure that was measured by the nurse prior to Harry's leaving the hospital (189/110). He expressed anxious concern and stressed that we should keep track of the blood pressure. We remembered we had a blood pressure device that was given to us this past year so we took it out of storage and put it to use right then (187/97), at bedtime (176/95) and again several times today (143/83). It's encouraging that the BP is trending down and getting very close to acceptable levels.
Harry's blood pressure probably rose slightly when I dropped the collection cup that held the contents of his pelvic drain. I'm a klutz. No cure for that. Luckily, we were in the bathroom so cleanup was easy.
Good sign number two...He felt like eating this morning, for a change. He had part of a grapefruit, a little yogurt, a few almonds and prunes. He is not excited about drinking prune juice but until the bowels are functioning normally he has to consume stool softeners and natural laxatives and keep well hydrated. We have Milk of Magnesia on hand if necessary. Abdominal rumbling and passing gas is what we like to hear. Can't believe I said that.
The third good sign is not a physical improvement. It's that he's reading the newspaper, an activity he really enjoys. Right now he has two new newspapers and a copy of the latest Skeptic magazine in front of him. This is proof of healing because for the previous few days he was unable to concentrate enough to read much.
Maybe there is a fourth good sign. His sense of humor has returned. He says he's skeptical about the Skeptic magazine :)
Second night back in his own bed, Harry had his best sleep since the surgery.
Here is one of the handouts given to us at the hospital on what to do when we get the patient home. Instructions For Care Following Conventional Prostatectomy
An account of one man's encounter with prostate cancer
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Today or Not Today ? That's the Question
Entry 25
Monday, December 13
7:20 AM CST - We're expecting a call from the hospital telling us if and when we can pick Harry up from the hospital. Two of the three of us will have to wear masks around him due to our new sore throats/colds. Does anyone else believe that hospitals are the scene of germ festivals?
10:20 AM CST - Getting good at waiting.
12:20 PM CST - Finally. Heading to the hospital to retrieve Harry.
2:00 PM CST - Harry is sitting comfortably in his favorite chair at home. He walked through the hospital to the car and had an uneventful ride home. We took the long route through the park because he said he was enjoying being outside. The shopping list he's making out now is getting longer so maybe he is getting an appetite after all.
2:10 PM - 6:10 PM CST - He slept away most of the afternoon. Even the smell of food hasn't wakened him
10:30 PM CST - After having been awake a large part of the time from 6:30 to now, Harry has gone to sleep sitting in the chair. He walked around several times this evening, had his Jackson Pratt bulb drained and his blood pressure taken (too high). He was listless and had no appetite most of the day . Seems harsh to wake him so that he can go to bed.
If you'd like to email him directly, Harry can be reached through his Shaw account [ hdstimson at shaw.ca ]
Monday, December 13
7:20 AM CST - We're expecting a call from the hospital telling us if and when we can pick Harry up from the hospital. Two of the three of us will have to wear masks around him due to our new sore throats/colds. Does anyone else believe that hospitals are the scene of germ festivals?
10:20 AM CST - Getting good at waiting.
12:20 PM CST - Finally. Heading to the hospital to retrieve Harry.
2:00 PM CST - Harry is sitting comfortably in his favorite chair at home. He walked through the hospital to the car and had an uneventful ride home. We took the long route through the park because he said he was enjoying being outside. The shopping list he's making out now is getting longer so maybe he is getting an appetite after all.
2:10 PM - 6:10 PM CST - He slept away most of the afternoon. Even the smell of food hasn't wakened him
10:30 PM CST - After having been awake a large part of the time from 6:30 to now, Harry has gone to sleep sitting in the chair. He walked around several times this evening, had his Jackson Pratt bulb drained and his blood pressure taken (too high). He was listless and had no appetite most of the day . Seems harsh to wake him so that he can go to bed.
If you'd like to email him directly, Harry can be reached through his Shaw account [ hdstimson at shaw.ca ]
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Sleep is Good
Entry 24
Saturday, December 11
Harry continued to show improvement on his second full day of recovery from prostate surgery. The number of his outings down the hallways of the Urology/GI ward increased as did the distances covered and he went on his own without a nurse clutching the back of his gown. He mentioned to the nursing staff that he was feeling itchy and slightly bloated. A sponge bath, baby powder, cool cloths, medication, and walks seemed to relieve those symptoms.
The doctor predicted that Harry would probably be leaving the hospital on Sunday. It seems to depend on a variety of factors like the amount of excess abdominal fluid that is being collected with the Jackson Pratt drain, the return of Harry's normal bodily functions, and the reduction of pain once the epidural is out. As you can see in the pictures, he is still wired and plugged in to various bags. The epidural will be removed on Sunday. The nurse thinks his exit from the hospital will be Monday. We'll see who is right tomorrow.
This is the day that solid food is on the menu. Harry turned down what would have been his first solid meal, the chicken cordon bleu special. He requested toast for dinner.
Harry still experienced waves of tiredness, especially after the walks. That was exacerbated by the fact that his roommate, a very elderly gentleman, ranted off and on for hours from 4 PM, through our evening visit, until nearly midnight on Friday. Harry had a good set of headphones and his iPod but we purchased wax ear plugs for him just in case there was a repeat performance tonight. We hope he is able to get the good rest that he needs.
Saturday, December 11
Harry continued to show improvement on his second full day of recovery from prostate surgery. The number of his outings down the hallways of the Urology/GI ward increased as did the distances covered and he went on his own without a nurse clutching the back of his gown. He mentioned to the nursing staff that he was feeling itchy and slightly bloated. A sponge bath, baby powder, cool cloths, medication, and walks seemed to relieve those symptoms.
The doctor predicted that Harry would probably be leaving the hospital on Sunday. It seems to depend on a variety of factors like the amount of excess abdominal fluid that is being collected with the Jackson Pratt drain, the return of Harry's normal bodily functions, and the reduction of pain once the epidural is out. As you can see in the pictures, he is still wired and plugged in to various bags. The epidural will be removed on Sunday. The nurse thinks his exit from the hospital will be Monday. We'll see who is right tomorrow.
This is the day that solid food is on the menu. Harry turned down what would have been his first solid meal, the chicken cordon bleu special. He requested toast for dinner.
Harry still experienced waves of tiredness, especially after the walks. That was exacerbated by the fact that his roommate, a very elderly gentleman, ranted off and on for hours from 4 PM, through our evening visit, until nearly midnight on Friday. Harry had a good set of headphones and his iPod but we purchased wax ear plugs for him just in case there was a repeat performance tonight. We hope he is able to get the good rest that he needs.
Get Up Or Die
Entry 23
Friday, December 10
The day after his prostate surgery, Harry is making a good recovery. He walked back and forth along his ward hallway three times in the day, each time farther than the last. He was slightly dizzy at first and weary at the end of his walks. His nurse who we'll call V said we could take his picture but we can't capture V's friendliness, encouragement and good humor that went a long way to getting Harry on his feet quickly. He pointed out to Harry in blunt terms the reasons why he has to move out of the bed. Clots. In spite of a soup, juice and jello diet, Harry is a very cooperative patient and we have pics to prove it.
Friday, December 10
The day after his prostate surgery, Harry is making a good recovery. He walked back and forth along his ward hallway three times in the day, each time farther than the last. He was slightly dizzy at first and weary at the end of his walks. His nurse who we'll call V said we could take his picture but we can't capture V's friendliness, encouragement and good humor that went a long way to getting Harry on his feet quickly. He pointed out to Harry in blunt terms the reasons why he has to move out of the bed. Clots. In spite of a soup, juice and jello diet, Harry is a very cooperative patient and we have pics to prove it.
Harry holding his giardia toy, walking the halls with Tom and V, being poked and prodded by V while B watches. Click image to enlarge it.
The quote of the day goes to Tom. When Brekyn gave Harry his giardia toy (See Blog Entry 1) and I remarked on how it was the cutest microbe toy, Tom quipped, "But not as cute as clap."
Thursday, December 9, 2010
What a Day
Entry 22
December 9
Harry was up at 4 AM, out of the house at 5 AM, admitted to hospital at 5:45 AM, prepped by 7:30 AM and on the operating room table for the start of the operation at 8 AM.
Twice during admitting, someone called out "Henry" (Harry's given name) and we had to nudge him because he didn't recognize that as being his name. Later when they placed his belongings in a large plastic bag, he noticed that on the bag they had changed his name to "Yenry" . "I can't even get used to Henry", he joked.
The retropubic prostatectomy started at 8 AM and ended at 12 PM just as Dr. Saranchuk had scheduled it. The doctor came out to speak to Tom, Brekyn and me in the PACU waiting room right after the surgery. You may be comforted to know as we were that Harry's surgery was routine. He lost quite a lot of blood but not enough to warrant a transfusion. Pelvic lymph nodes were removed and examined, revealing no obvious lymph node metastases. The doctor seemed to be pleased with the results of his morning's work. As soon as he left us, we jumped up and down, hugged and cried.
Harry's anticipated 2 hours in Recovery stretched to 4 hours. The pain management plan had to be altered because he was still experiencing considerable, "fluctuating" pain. It turned out that the epidural placement needed to be adjusted. He was tired and very thirsty throughout the stay in Recovery. We were allowed to pop in twice briefly during the four hours to hold his hand and listen to his weak attempts at humor.
At 5 PM, 12 hours after leaving home, Harry made it to Room 348 in GH3 of the Health Sciences Centre. He was feeling and looking better but was still extremely tired when we left him in the early evening. We're happy this day is over.
BBC video of actual retropubic prostate surgery [ graphic images ]
December 9
Harry was up at 4 AM, out of the house at 5 AM, admitted to hospital at 5:45 AM, prepped by 7:30 AM and on the operating room table for the start of the operation at 8 AM.
Twice during admitting, someone called out "Henry" (Harry's given name) and we had to nudge him because he didn't recognize that as being his name. Later when they placed his belongings in a large plastic bag, he noticed that on the bag they had changed his name to "Yenry" . "I can't even get used to Henry", he joked.
The retropubic prostatectomy started at 8 AM and ended at 12 PM just as Dr. Saranchuk had scheduled it. The doctor came out to speak to Tom, Brekyn and me in the PACU waiting room right after the surgery. You may be comforted to know as we were that Harry's surgery was routine. He lost quite a lot of blood but not enough to warrant a transfusion. Pelvic lymph nodes were removed and examined, revealing no obvious lymph node metastases. The doctor seemed to be pleased with the results of his morning's work. As soon as he left us, we jumped up and down, hugged and cried.
Harry's anticipated 2 hours in Recovery stretched to 4 hours. The pain management plan had to be altered because he was still experiencing considerable, "fluctuating" pain. It turned out that the epidural placement needed to be adjusted. He was tired and very thirsty throughout the stay in Recovery. We were allowed to pop in twice briefly during the four hours to hold his hand and listen to his weak attempts at humor.
At 5 PM, 12 hours after leaving home, Harry made it to Room 348 in GH3 of the Health Sciences Centre. He was feeling and looking better but was still extremely tired when we left him in the early evening. We're happy this day is over.
Harry's left arm is being warmed for the IVs. Click on the image to enlarge it.
BBC video of actual retropubic prostate surgery [ graphic images ]
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Day Before Surgery
Entry 21
December 8
Thanks to everyone for the good wishes.
This day has been one of preparation for the radical prostate surgery. Never thought I'd have jello for breakfast. Only tea, apple juice, weak coffee, bouillon, Gatorade, carbonated drinks like ginger ale, and jello are allowed during the 24 hours prior to the surgery which takes place tomorrow morning. I just had supper. It was a popsicle. By the time this is over, I'll be gnawing on the table legs.
After tea and jello this morning, we headed to the hospital for my 9 AM appointment with the anesthetist for another blood pressure measurement, more blood sample extraction, and more questions about my health history. Sounds like I will be having a combo anesthetic consisting of an epidural and a general anesthetic administered by IV.
My provincial health card has my birth month wrong, May instead of June. We had to continue to use the wrong birthdate on the request for blood from the Red Cross. According to the nurse, if there is any mismatch of patient data between that request and the info held in the Manitoba Health data bank, the Red Cross will not process the request. The blood may not be required, but on the other hand, it may if there is excessive blood loss during the surgery. When the dust settles, we'll get that date fixed on my Manitoba Health records.
We walked to find the admissions center which is where I have to check in at 5:45 AM tomorrow. That was a good exercise because it gave us a clear sense of where to park tomorrow.
Earlier today, we watched a good made-in-Manitoba DVD called "You've Had Your Surgery...Now What?". The video was professionally prepared by Dr. Anne Katz & Cancer Care Manitoba specifically for prostate cancer patients. It contained valuable information about what to expect in the hospital and when I get home. Most likely I won't have many surprises.
December 8
Thanks to everyone for the good wishes.
This day has been one of preparation for the radical prostate surgery. Never thought I'd have jello for breakfast. Only tea, apple juice, weak coffee, bouillon, Gatorade, carbonated drinks like ginger ale, and jello are allowed during the 24 hours prior to the surgery which takes place tomorrow morning. I just had supper. It was a popsicle. By the time this is over, I'll be gnawing on the table legs.
After tea and jello this morning, we headed to the hospital for my 9 AM appointment with the anesthetist for another blood pressure measurement, more blood sample extraction, and more questions about my health history. Sounds like I will be having a combo anesthetic consisting of an epidural and a general anesthetic administered by IV.
My provincial health card has my birth month wrong, May instead of June. We had to continue to use the wrong birthdate on the request for blood from the Red Cross. According to the nurse, if there is any mismatch of patient data between that request and the info held in the Manitoba Health data bank, the Red Cross will not process the request. The blood may not be required, but on the other hand, it may if there is excessive blood loss during the surgery. When the dust settles, we'll get that date fixed on my Manitoba Health records.
We walked to find the admissions center which is where I have to check in at 5:45 AM tomorrow. That was a good exercise because it gave us a clear sense of where to park tomorrow.
Earlier today, we watched a good made-in-Manitoba DVD called "You've Had Your Surgery...Now What?". The video was professionally prepared by Dr. Anne Katz & Cancer Care Manitoba specifically for prostate cancer patients. It contained valuable information about what to expect in the hospital and when I get home. Most likely I won't have many surprises.
At hospital for appointment with anesthetist
Tonight, one hour before bed, the Fleet enema.
Monday, December 6, 2010
T-3 Days and Counting
Entry 20
December 6
Countdown . . . .
- Confirm operation time. Thursday, Dec 9th, 7:30AM
- Review hospital stay checklist and pack items such as flip-flops, sweat pants, etc. Thanks to Wayne Johnson for the suggestions. (Update: You can't wear flip-flops with compression stockings)
- Buy or check out audiobooks and ebooks to hear or read while in hospital. Kobo is replacing my eReader as it quit last week
- Repeat Kegel exercises
- Eat well and drink lots of water
- Decorate Christmas tree and split wood for future fires in the fireplace
- Enjoy life as usual including cross-country skiing at Beaudry Park today and watching a good televised football game tonight
On another note, here is an interactive explanation of tumor angiogenesis in 3D or HD.
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